Things to do in Oslo in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Oslo. The weather is usually moderately chilly, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 41—58°F (5—15°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Oslo during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, visit the Viking Ship Museum, visit the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower, and more!

Oslo has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Oslo. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Oslo in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Oslo in May

Top experiences in May
Visit the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, also known as the Norsk Folkemuseum, is an open-air museum that showcases traditional Norwegian architecture, cultural artifacts, and historical buildings. In May, the museum comes to life with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts, music, and dance. It's a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich cultural heritage of Norway.
Visit the Viking Ship Museum
The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo is home to three remarkably well-preserved Viking ships, as well as a variety of artifacts and archaeological finds from the Viking Age. It's a fascinating opportunity to learn about Norway's rich history and the seafaring traditions of the Vikings. The museum also offers insight into the craftsmanship and skills of these ancient mariners.
Visit the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower
The Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower is a must-visit attraction in Oslo, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. In May, the museum showcases the history of skiing in Norway, including a collection of vintage skis, equipment, and memorabilia. You can also take an elevator to the top of the iconic ski jump tower for a bird's-eye view of Oslo.
Take a boat tour of the Oslo Fjord
In May, the Oslo Fjord is a breathtaking sight with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque islands. A boat tour allows you to take in the stunning scenery, including the famous Oslo Opera House, the Akershus Fortress, and the charming coastal villages along the fjord. It's a relaxing and enjoyable way to see the beauty of Eastern Norway from a different perspective.
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Visit the Norwegian Constitution Day celebrations
May 17th is Norwegian Constitution Day, a national holiday celebrated with parades, concerts, and traditional food. The streets of Oslo come alive with people dressed in traditional bunad clothing, waving flags, and enjoying the festive atmosphere. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture and join in the lively celebrations.
Explore the Oslo Botanical Garden
In May, the Oslo Botanical Garden is in full bloom with a stunning display of colorful flowers and plants. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The garden also features a variety of themed areas, including a rock garden, herb garden, and alpine garden, making it a perfect place to spend a sunny day in Oslo.
Go hiking in Nordmarka forest
May is a great time to explore the beautiful Nordmarka forest, located just outside of Oslo. The forest is home to numerous hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints, tranquil lakes, and lush greenery. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, exercise, and stunning natural landscapes that Norway has to offer.
Explore the Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress is a historic landmark in Oslo, dating back to the 13th century. In May, the fortress is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the city and the Oslo Fjord. Take a guided tour to learn about the fortress's role in Norwegian history and explore its well-preserved medieval architecture.
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Holidays in Oslo in May
May
  • Labor Day (May 1)
  • Liberation Day (May 8)
  • 17 May Constitution Day (May 17)
  • Ascension Day (May 29)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Oslo in May

Temperatures on an average day in Oslo in May

The average temperature in Oslo in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 58°F (15°C) to a low of 41°F (5°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Oslo, July, has days with highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 25°F (-4°C) and lows of 16°F (-9°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Oslo in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
58°F
highs
41°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly, humid but cool
Feels like
33%
Chance of rain
0.116 in
Amount
9.0 mph
Wind speed
76%
Humidity
17.1 hrs
Daylight length
4:41 AM
Sunrise
9:46 PM
Sunset
43%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 58°F (15°C) and a low of 41°F (5°C), it generally feels moderately chilly, humid but cool. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Oslo in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Oslo has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Oslo that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Oslo for May.
Viking Ship Museum
1. Viking Ship Museum
4.4
(12428)
History museum
Museums
Museum displaying 3 wooden, 9th-century Viking ships, plus artifacts recovered from burial chambers.
The Vigeland Museum
2. The Vigeland Museum
4.6
(647)
Art museum
Museums
Museum in former industrial setting housing many sculptures, woodcuts & drawings by Gustav Vigeland.
The Fram Museum
3. The Fram Museum
4.7
(10387)
History museum
Museums
19th-century polar exploration ship in museum with expedition exhibits & northern lights shows.
The Norwegian Opera and Ballet
4. The Norwegian Opera and Ballet
4.7
(1351)
Opera house
Concerts & Shows
The Vigeland Park
5. The Vigeland Park
4.7
(18321)
Sculpture museum
Nature & Parks
Sculpture park & museum displaying the works of Gustav Vigeland, plus temporary art exhibitions.
Holmenkollen Ski Museum
6. Holmenkollen Ski Museum
4.5
(6242)
Museum
Specialty Museums
High-tech museum for the history of sport & expedition skiing, with a ski simulator & tower views.
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
7. The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
4.6
(9476)
History museum
Water & Amusement Parks
Large open-air collection of Medieval buildings & indoor culture & lifestyle exhibits.
Akershus Fortress
8. Akershus Fortress
4.5
(14956)
Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
Originally constructed in the 13th century, this fort contains 2 military museums & hosts events.
Oslo
9. Oslo
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. The Holmenkollbakken is a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord. It also has a ski museum.
Oslo City Hall
10. Oslo City Hall
4.6
(1555)
City Hall
Sights & Landmarks
Administrative center/public venue with an art collection & host of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Munch
11. Munch
4.4
(11247)
Museum
Art museum
Over 26,000 works of art produced by Munch, as well as his effects, private library & tools.
The Royal Palace
12. The Royal Palace
4.5
(12045)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Guided tours of the 19th-century residence of the King & Queen of Norway, plus parkland visits.
Karl Johans gt.
13. Karl Johans gt.
4.7
(238)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Lively main street running from the Central Station to the Royal Palace with hotels, shops & cafes.
Nobel Peace Center
14. Nobel Peace Center
4.4
(3963)
Museum
History museum
Museum of the Nobel Peace Prize, Alfred Nobel & other laureates with temporary exhibitions & a shop.
Bygdøy
15. Bygdøy
4.7
(112)
Peninsula
Outdoor Activities
Forested peninsula that is a popular city escape, several national museums & the Royal Estate.
Norway Resistance Museum
16. Norway Resistance Museum
4.5
(1073)
Museum
History Museums
Exhibits highlighting Norwegian resistance to Nazi occupation of the country during WWII.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Oslo?

Get inspired for your trip to Oslo with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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